As part of the interior refurbishment, Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge has reopened the Chamois Bar (pronounced Shammie) and Grill, complete with outdoor beer garden for visitors to unwind on-site with a drink, barbecue and magical view.

Lodge operations manager Justin Winter says the conversion was designed to offer a more complete range of accommodation and entertainment choices at one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations.

"Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge is just a stone's throw from the must-see itinerary trail of the South Island," he said.

"The community welcomes thousands of transient backpackers and budget conscious travellers all year round; it's exciting for us to be able to provide a more affordable, casual sleeping option.

"I've no doubt the Chamois will be particularly well received by both visitors and the local community - it has been a favourite local watering hole in the past and everyone's delighted to see it return."